How to Keep Your Car’s AC in the Best Condition

India’s scorching heat can make driving unbearable without a properly functioning AC. Considered a luxury in the past, car air conditioners are now a standard feature in almost all cars for comfort in the intense heat of summer. Thus it is essential to take proper care and maintain your vehicle’s AC system to ensure its life is extended and it keeps you cool and comfortable. Here we guide you through the effective tips to improve the performance and efficiency of your car’s AC.

Essential Tips to Improve Car AC Performance

There are many advantages of a car’s AC system, it does more than just cooling the cabin. The car’s AC helps in filtering the pollutants, ventilates the cabin, and maintains a consistent temperature. Here are some tips to improve efficiency and performance of car air conditioners.

Regular AC Cleaning and Maintenance

All the air vents and cabin filter needs regular cleaning and maintenance which eliminates dust, debris and airflow restrictions from the AC system. Replace the cabin filter after every 20,000 km or as mentioned in your car’s maintenance manual. AC vents can be cleaned at home but a professional AC cleaning becomes necessary if a long time has passed since the proper cleaning of AC ducts and vents. A professional servicing also includes car AC inspection which can identify hidden issues in the system.

Run the AC Regularly

Regularly running the car AC keeps all the components working optimally. Hence, it is essential to run the AC for a few minutes during the winter to lubricate the seals and compressor components and prevent any issues.

Monitor Refrigerant Levels

It is crucial to maintain the right amount of refrigerant in your car’s AC system for it to work efficiently. Signs like weak cooling, hissing sounds, or visible leaks under the car could mean a low refrigerant level. It is imperative to get your car’s refrigerant level checked by a professional car garage at least once in a year.

Use AC Properly

The most important factor in prolonging the life of your car’s AC system is how you use it. Immediately turning on the AC in a car which is parked under the sun for hours will overburden the AC system. Thus, it is best practice to let the hot air escape the cabin and then turn on the AC. Also, running the AC continuously at low temperatures (16-18 degrees) strains the whole system and reduces fuel efficiency. Hence, moderate temperature settings (22-24 degrees) should be set for optimum efficiency and reliability.

Address Unusual Noises and Smells Immediately

If you hear any unusual noise or unpleasant smell, it could mean underlying issues with your car’s AC system. Rattling or clicking noise may signal faulty compressors or loose parts. An unpleasant smell can be mould growth or bacteria buildup in the evaporator or air vents. Other chemical-like smells could be a result of leaking refrigerant. You should immediately get your car’s AC system checked by a professional workshop.

Importance of Regular Car AC Service

The AC system is an integral part of your vehicle and thus it must always be in proper working condition. There are many benefits of regular car AC service such as.

• Provides a comfortable driving experience
• Reduces vehicle’s fuel consumption
• The AC is readily available when cooling is required
• Reduces the chances of expensive repairs and replacements
• Extends the life of car’s air conditioning system
• A properly working AC can also preserve the car’s resale value

At FourDoor, we provide tailored car AC service packages based on the requirements. These are, basic AC service, detailed AC service and Radiator flush and cleaning. All the AC service and repairs are performed by experienced mechanics at fully equipped car garages.

Signs it’s Time to Replace your Car’s AC Compressor

The compressor is one of the most important components of your car’s AC system. It is directly connected with the engine to draw power from it and cool your cabin down. With time, it ages and may require replacement under the below-mentioned conditions.

• Weak or no cooling, even if the refrigerant level is optimum
• Unusual noises like grinding, squealing or rattling are heard when AC is switched on
• Refrigerant leaks are found near the compressor
• The electromagnetic clutch fails to engage
• If the engine or AC system overheats frequently
• Visible damage to the compressor
• Oil leaks in the compressor

Prepare Your Car’s AC for the Summer Heat

Before the onset of the summer season, it is recommended to prepare your car’s AC system to handle the scorching heat. Here are some essential points to take care of when opting for professional AC inspection and service.

• Complete AC inspection is necessary as it helps in identifying hidden or minor issues before they become major
• All the AC vents must be cleaned with foam or spray cleaners, and the cabin filter should be inspected. If the cabin filter turns out to be clogged, it should also be replaced with a new one
• The refrigerant levels in the AC system should be inspected. A leak test must be performed to check for refrigerant leaks and recharge gas if necessary
• Experienced car mechanics can inspect and identify if there are any faults in the compressor or condenser
• If possible, cleaning the evaporator and condenser should also be performed to enhance the cooling efficiency of the AC
• Compressor oil should be checked and topped up if necessary

Conclusion

In a tropical climate like India where summers can be scorching hot, the car’s AC becomes a necessity. Keeping the AC in good working condition is imperative for comfortable drives. Choosing a professional garage like FourDoor for regular car AC inspections and timely AC repairs and maintenance can extend its life and keep you cool for long.

FAQs

Q. How to make AC last longer in a car?

The car’s AC can be extended by ensuring regular cleaning of air vents and cabin filters, maintaining adequate refrigerant levels, and scheduling professional service annually. Run the AC periodically, even in winter, to prevent seals from drying out and keep the system lubricated.

Q. How can I extend the life of my car AC?

Avoid overloading the AC by ventilating the hot car before turning it on, especially on hot days. Use the AC at moderate temperatures instead of the lowest setting, and address unusual noises or odours immediately to prevent further damage.

Q. How to increase car AC performance?

Clean the air filters regularly to improve airflow, check refrigerant levels annually, and ensure that the condenser and vents are free from dust and debris. Use sunshades or park in shaded areas to reduce cabin heat and ease the strain on the AC.

Q. How can I strengthen my car AC?

Maintain your AC system with regular professional servicing, including checking for leaks and ensuring the compressor and refrigerant are in good condition. Use the recirculation mode to cool the cabin faster and minimise strain on the system.

Q. Which car AC mode is best in summer?

In summer, the recirculation mode is ideal. It reuses the cool air inside the car instead of pulling in hot air from outside, allowing the AC to cool the cabin more efficiently.

Q. How do I make sure my AC is ready for summer?

Schedule a professional AC check-up before summer to inspect refrigerant levels, clean filters and vents, and check the compressor and condenser. Also, ensure your AC system is free from leaks and unusual noises for optimal performance.